Encapsulation of Exosomal Volatile Organic Compounds for Modulating the NF-κB Pathway in Monocytes

Cytokines communicate and coordinate immunity, allowing the immune cells to understand one another. Aside from cytokines, a wide variety of molecules modify immune cell behavior and immune responses. We present a study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their capacity to influence the NF-κB signaling pathway in monocytes. By using the U937 monocyte cell line and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we created a model of NFKB1-/- human monocytes. The results showed that exosomes from distinct cells and the same cell have unique VOC signatures when stimulated by LPS. To test the effect of certain VOCs on NF-κB, we encapsulated them in nanoparticles (liposomes). An example is 2-butanone-encapsulated liposomes, which reduced NF-κB and lowered the level of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8 MCP-1, and IL-1β) in LPS-stimulated monocytes. These results suggest potential therapeutic targets for modulating the NF-κB signaling in monocytes.